Egypt's efforts to mediate de-escalation talks between the United States and Iran have gained momentum in recent days. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has publicly expressed his support for the negotiations, calling on both parties to refrain from actions that could lead to a regional war.
This stance is significant given the need for guarantees regarding the lifting of sanctions as a condition for Iran's participation in the talks. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has emphasized this point, highlighting it as crucial for his country's involvement.
The Egyptian mediation efforts come at a critical time, with tensions between the US and Iran running high due to disagreements over regional influence. The involvement of Egypt, a key player in the region, is seen as an attempt to prevent further escalation and promote stability in the Middle East.
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is currently on a week-long visit to Europe, where he is strengthening counter-terrorism ties with key leaders from the European Union (EU). This diplomatic outreach aims to deepen friendly relations and provide fresh momentum to ongoing cooperation in this area. The visit comes as India seeks to address rising global concerns over terrorism.
In France, Jaishankar will hold talks with French President Jean Noel Barrot and EU leaders to boost bilateral ties and reaffirm India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. This stance was also emphasized by Jaishankar during his meeting with EU leaders, where he stated that India expects its partners to share its 'zero tolerance' for terrorism.
Jaishankar will also meet with Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot in Belgium and engage in strategic discussions with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. This engagement is part of India's diplomatic outreach strategy, which includes enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts and strategic partnerships. The meetings are expected to yield significant outcomes, including strengthened cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts.
US-China Trade Tensions Escalate Dramatically with $60 Billion Tariffs and Rare Earths Dispute
6.7.25
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have reached a boiling point, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes game of tit-for-tat. The latest development is a significant escalation by the US, imposing tariffs on Chinese goods worth $60 billion, targeting key sectors such as technology and aerospace.
This move has been met with a stern response from Beijing, which has vowed to take measures to safeguard its interests. China's slow-walking of export license approvals for rare earths, a critical component in the production of advanced electronics and other high-tech products, is at the heart of the current impasse. US Commerce Secretary accused China of "slow-rolling the deal" and warned of retaliatory actions if the agreement falls apart.
The Geneva tariff row has further complicated matters, with both sides accusing each other of violating the consensus reached in talks between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The situation has also led to increased tensions within the trade relationship between the two countries, which could potentially lead to a broader trade war.
The recent US veto of a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community. China's ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, stated that Israel's military operations in Gaza have "crossed every red line" of international humanitarian law.
Britain's Ambassador Barbara Woodward echoed these sentiments, condemning Israel's actions as "unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive". The vote comes after 27 people were killed in southern Gaza when Israeli troops opened fire near a US-backed aid centre, prompting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to condemn the incident as "unacceptable".
The resolution called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, as well as the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza. The US veto has been widely criticized by other council members, who accuse the US of providing Israel with impunity.
The UN has rejected a new system for delivering aid to Gaza introduced by an Israeli-US backed foundation, further highlighting the tensions between the international community and the US over its stance on the conflict.
The BRICS summit is set to be a pivotal moment in global diplomacy, with several key developments expected to shape the future of international relations. The meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be closely watched, particularly given China's recent support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This has raised concerns about India-China ties, but both leaders have expressed a desire to reset bilateral relations through initiatives such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
In this context, the BRICS summit is also expected to focus on reforming institutions like the IMF and WTO, with an emphasis on increasing representation of developing countries. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has clarified that India has no policy to replace the dollar.
India is pushing for comprehensive WTO reforms, calling for decisive action against non-tariff barriers and restoration of the dispute settlement mechanism. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has outlined India's reform agenda at a meeting of 25 WTO member countries in Paris, highlighting the importance of addressing trade distortions and strengthening multilateral governance.
The upcoming ministerial conference is seen as a crucial opportunity to prevent the WTO from becoming a failed institution. The BRICS summit will also explore SCO cooperation, which could further strengthen ties between India and China.
The European Union has imposed its 18th round of sanctions on Russia's energy sector, targeting key areas such as defunct Baltic Sea gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2, shadow fleet vessels, and the financial sector. EU President Ursula von der Leyen stated that these new measures would increase the joint impact of sanctions with US actions, aiming to limit Russia's ability to transport its oil and "dry up the Kremlin's resources" to wage war.
The European Commission is developing a lower oil price ceiling and stricter regulations on Russia's "shadow fleet". The EU wants to coordinate with the US on new measures, particularly lowering the G7 Russian oil price cap from $60 to at least $50. This requires American consent, which has been granted in some cases, such as when France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal were allowed to continue importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite the sanctions.
However, countries like Italy, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria that buy Russian pipeline gas are still subject to the new measures. The EU's goal is to limit Russia's ability to transport its oil and reduce its resources for waging war in Ukraine.
The situation in Gaza remains dire as violence erupts at an aid distribution site, resulting in dozens of casualties and widespread international condemnation. Israeli troops fired on crowds attempting to reach the site, killing dozens and wounding many more, with the highest number of "weapon-wounded" patients reported since the hospital's establishment over a year ago.
This incident is part of a larger conflict that has been ongoing for nearly 20 months, with truce talks stalled and negotiations failing to produce a breakthrough. The war has resulted in at least 4,117 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, with 57 hostages still being held.
The Israeli military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has ordered the establishment of additional aid sites and expansion of ground operations in northern and southern Gaza. However, this move has been met with criticism from international leaders.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributed 2.1 million meals as of Friday, but access remains inconsistent at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Israeli troops opened fire towards crowds near a GHF aid site, which is located in an area inaccessible to independent media. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that most victims had tried to reach an aid distribution site before being injured.
The situation has been exacerbated by Israel's blockade since March, with nearly one-third of the population displaced and over 640,000 people affected.
India Accuses Pakistan of State-Sponsored Terrorism
6.6.25
India has accused Pakistan of state-sponsored terrorism, citing several incidents where Pakistan-based groups have carried out attacks on Indian soil. The most recent incident was in IIOJK, where 26 tourists were killed in an attack that India blamed on Pakistan.
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information, Ataullah Tarar, stated that his country has responded to Indian aggression with responsibility and composure. However, India has presented evidence of Pakistani involvement in terrorism, including the downing of six IAF fighter jets and dozens of drones during a military operation.
India has also expressed strong opposition to Pakistan's support for terrorist activities within its own borders. This move is seen as an attempt by India to isolate Pakistan internationally and undermine its economic development. Bilawal Bhutto, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, criticized India's use of terrorism as a political tool to demonize Muslims in IIOJK.
The unresolved Kashmir issue remains a major point of contention between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of supporting terrorism. Pakistan has presented credible evidence of state-sponsored terrorism by India to international forums, but India denies these allegations.
India's efforts to combat terrorism have taken a significant step forward with the country's regional counterterrorism alliance taking shape, thanks in part to Malaysia's support. A delegation led by Indian officials met with Malaysian MPs and the Director General of SEARCCT in Kuala Lumpur to discuss ways to cooperate against terrorism.
The discussions focused on international cooperation in combating terrorism and India's new normal of responding firmly against terror attacks on Indian soil. The delegation highlighted Operation Sindoor, India's response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and emphasized its commitment to national security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism through high-level interactions with Malaysian political parties and think-tanks. The delegation delivered a strong message that the entire country stands united against terrorism, condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and urging action against Pakistan by the FATF.
Malaysia's support for India's counterterrorism efforts is significant, given its own concerns about cross-border terrorism in the region. With Malaysia's backing, India's regional counterterrorism alliance is taking shape, marking a major step forward in the country's fight against terrorism.